Your Guide to Roanoke Valley Pick-Your-Own Berries & Fruit

Words by Amanda Danaher

Nothing says warm weather quite like getting outside with your kids and coming home with baskets, and probably a few full bellies, of berries and fruit you picked yourselves.

Pick-your-own season is one of the sweetest ways for Roanoke Valley families to connect with nature, and some of the best farms are worth the drive. From strawberries in the spring to blueberries, blackberries, and peaches in the summer, to apples in the fall, there’s something to pick almost all year long, whether you’re staying close to home or making a day trip out of it.

Here’s your guide to the best pick-your-own farms and orchards within reach of the Roanoke Valley, plus what to expect each season.

What’s in Season Around Roanoke, Virginia

Picking seasons can shift depending on weather and harvest conditions, so always check ahead before heading out. To help you plan, here’s a general guide to what you’ll find throughout the year:

• Early Spring: Strawberries
• Late Spring–Early Summer: Blueberries
• Summer: Blackberries, raspberries, peaches
• Late Summer–Fall: Apples

Pick-Your-Own Farms & Orchards Near the Roanoke Valley

Many local farms offer more than just fruit picking. Think fresh-baked goods, farm markets, mountain views, and seasonal events—making it easy to turn a quick outing into a full family day.

3 Birds Berry Farm (Blacksburg)

This pesticide-free farm offers pick-your-own blueberries all summer long. You will also find blackberries in July, followed by red and gold raspberries available from late July to late August or early September.

Learn more: 540-552-4195 , 3birdsberryfarm.com

Johnson’s Orchard (Bedford)

Johnson’s Orchard offers pick-your-own apples beginning in late August or early September, along with a charming farm experience featuring a winery and friendly farm animals.

Learn more: 540-586-3707, johnsonsorchards.com

Blueberry Hill at Still House (Lexington)

Blueberry Hill at Still House features pick-your-own blueberries with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. 

Learn more: 540-817-9219, Facebook: Blueberry Hill at Still House 

Drumheller’s Orchard (Lovingston)

Family-owned Drumheller’s Orchard offers pick-your-own fruit available throughout the summer, including peaches and apples. 

Learn more: 434-263-5036, drumhellersorchard.com

Gross’ Orchard (Bedford)

Gross’ Orchard, known for its peaceful, family-run setting, offers pick-your-own peaches in the summer and apples in early fall. 

Learn more: 540-586-2436, grossorchard.com

Morris Orchard (Monroe)

Morris Orchard is a family-owned farm offering pick-your-own fruit throughout the growing season, including blueberries in mid-June, blackberries in July, and apples in the fall. Visitors can also enjoy fresh peaches.

Learn more: 434-929-2401, morrisorchard.com

Motley’s Strawberry Farm (Gretna)

Motley’s Strawberry Farm is a small, pick-your-own strawberry farm, open from early April to late May.

Learn more: 434-656-2838, Facebook: Motley’s Strawberry Farm 

Windrush Berry Farm (Newport)

Windrush Berry Farm is a three-generation, family-run farm, featuring organic rabbit-eye blueberries available from late July through mid-September. 

Learn more: 706-491-0819, windrushfarm.com 

Woodall Blueberries (New Castle)

Pick-your-own season at Woodall Blueberries runs from June to July with organically grown highbush blueberries. 

Learn more: 540-544-7587, woodallblueberries.com 

Yoders Farm (Rustburg)

Yoder’s Farm brings pick-your-own strawberries each spring, typically beginning in late April to late May. 

Learn more:  434-401-4864, yodersfarm.com

Tips for Berry and Fruit Picking Near the Roanoke Valley

A little planning goes a long way when it comes to berry picking with kids. Here are a few easy ways to keep things fun and stress-free:

• Always check ahead: Picking seasons can change quickly with the weather, and things like drought or heavy rain can affect what’s available. Also check whether containers are provided or if you should bring your own. 
• Dress for the farm: Wear clothes and shoes that can handle the activities with uneven ground and maybe even a little mud.
• Pack the essentials: Bring sunscreen, hats, and water especially on warm summer days.
• Go early if you can: You’ll get the best picking and cooler temperatures.
• Follow farm guidance: Stick to posted signs and directions so you’re picking in the right areas and being respectful of those around you.
• Set kid expectations: Sampling is part of the fun, but berries are weighed for purchase, so save most of the snacking for your trip home. 

Take It Outside

The best part about pick-your-own season is how it turns a simple outing into a memory. Let kids taste berries straight from the vine, compare colors and sizes, or help pick out fruit for a pie or jam later that day.

Some of these farms are a quick trip, others make for a good excuse to get out of town for the afternoon. Either way, pick-your-own season is worth the drive.

AMANDA DANAHER is a busy mom of five and publisher and editor of RoanokeFamily Magazine. She is also a contributor to sister publications, VirginiaSummerCamp.com and CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine. For over 17 years, she has focused her work on parent and family magazines, where she draws on her journalism degree to help local families thrive in every season.